There’s so much in this world that empowers women and brings women together; our shared experiences, our disdain for wired bras, our love of heating pads during our time of the month, our desire to be understood far more than we typically are, and much, much more. These shared experiences are highlighted in multiple forms of media, particularly movies. Seeing ourselves portrayed in certain, complex ways on the big screen leaves us feeling either understood or the total opposite. For the spring months that are fast approaching – despite what that damn male groundhog says – I’ve created a list of female forward films to get those warm feelings of girlhood kicking in. I’ll disclose that when I was tasked with this assignment the request, “Don’t write about chick flicks, write about empowering movies,” was given to me. It’s a common misconception that chick flicks can’t be empowering, and I’m here to prove that idea wrong. Chick flicks can miss, but they can also hit the nail right on the head regarding the story they tell. I feel my most seen when watching a chick flick, and there’s nothing like coming home from a full day of the same old little misogynistic digs from society, curling up, and putting on a movie that showcases the everyday struggles of womanhood, no matter how trivial they can seem to a certain demographic. To me, it is empowering to be seen. So, without further ado, a list of female-forward movies to celebrate Women’s History Month. Oh, and boys, if you don’t get the movies listed, that’s okay. You don’t have to, this one’s just for the girls.
The Devil Wears Prada.
A woman with brains realizing she can also play around with fashion while eventually finding her value outside of a glamorously toxic work environment? Sign me up. This 2006 comedy finds Anne Hathaway’s Andrea Sachs working as an assistant to Meryl Streep’s devilishly stylish Miranda Priestly, the Editor in Chief of the fictional magazine Runway. Andrea doesn’t even know how to spell Dolce or Gabbana, let alone dress in anything other than her outdated sweaters, yet is thrust into the high-end fashion world and all its pros and cons. Throughout the film we see cameos from fashion royalty such as Gisele, Heidi Klum and Valentino Garavani. The audience witnesses Andrea go from seeming secure in herself, to bending to the pressures that come with working at an elite fashion magazine. You’ll have to watch the film – or read the book – to find out if Andrea finds her way back to herself. If not watching the film to see how that plays out, do yourself a favor and watch it to see the glorious scenes of New York City and Paris and the to-die-for outfits worn throughout the film.
The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants.
Not the most riveting suggestion but come on, this movie is the epitome of female friendship. This 2005 coming of age film follows the stories of four lifelong best friends as they spend their first summer apart since birth. There’s Lena the quiet artist, Bridget the fiery athlete, Tibby the angsty filmmaker, and Carmen the spicy writer. The film transports viewers all over the world with summer scenes in Greece, Mexico, Maryland, and South Carolina. The four girls experience many firsts that are integral to coming of age, including virginity loss, first love, first loss, and more. Capturing the preciousness and power of friendship, this movie is one to watch curled up with your closest girlfriends. This book turned movie shows how despite different personalities, female friendship prevails.
Uptown Girls.
One of Brittany Murphy’s most beloved roles before her untimely death, Uptown Girls tells the story of Molly Gunn, a born-rich New York City socialite who finds herself broke after an embezzlement scandal. Desperate for money and unsure how to make it herself, Molly begins nannying tightly wound eight-year-old Ray, played by a young Dakota Fanning. While their personalities clash at first, they find common ground in their shared struggles felt only by women and soon to be women. Watching Molly’s character go from not knowing how to pay a bill to making her own money is empowering and shows how savvy even the most scatterbrained presenting woman can be.
Poor Things.
Women’s sexuality is oftentimes seen as taboo; something to be ashamed of. In this Oscar-nominated 2023 movie, that’s far from the case. Emma Stone stars as Bella Baxter, a frankenstein-esque woman who has the body of a grown woman with the brain of a baby, thanks to Dr. Godwin Baxter, played by Willem Dafoe. Throughout the film, Bella learns how to masturbate, eventually having her first sexual encounter of many. Watching a woman on screen be unapologetic about her desires is empowering, despite male characters throughout the story trying to make her feel ashamed. It’s almost unheard of to see a story of a woman who prioritizes her own pleasures above everyone else’s, yet this film nails that concept right on the head.
Sex and The City.
Not just a movie, but one of the most iconic female-forward series. This show was groundbreaking for its time, covering cannabis use, polyamorous and LGBTQ+ relationships, and female orgasms in a time where that content wasn’t seen anywhere. Carrie, Samantha, Charlotte, and Miranda’s friendship is one looked up to by girls everywhere since the show’s release. No matter if it’s a broken heart caused by a boy, an emergency abortion needed, or Big moving to Paris, these girls are there for each other with cosmos in hand. New York City is their oyster, as they help each other along the trials and tribulations of their ’30s. Watching women not have it all figured out by their 20’s provides comfort to women of any age, knowing that success isn’t defined by having a family and prospering love life, but by who you have in your corner.
There are so many more films to mention but this magazine has a page count folks. Stay tuned for more movie recommendations, in the meantime give these ones a watch. No matter what’s going on in your life or the world, you’re a woman and that’s a beautiful thing. •
